New testing rules in effect for U.S.-bound international passengers

Monday marked the start of new international travel rules implemented due to the omicron COVID variant.

People heading to the U.S. from overseas now need a COVID test within 24 hours of their flight, instead of the previous 72 hours.

“It was stressful,” said Harsha Surineni, who flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from Bangalore.

“It was hard to find a place where they could do it within 24 hours,” he said.

Carmen Nelson found a similar challenge in Paris.

“We were flying out on a Monday, so it was actually kind of difficult to find something open on a Sunday,” she said.

Mariam Sagko took a test in her Istanbul hotel room and got the results at 9:00 p.m., just in time for a 5:00 a.m. flight.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for the 24 hours, it’s kind of tight, I’m sure a lot of people will miss their flight because of that,” she said.

Agneta Ekman managed to find a weekend test in Stockholm.

“In 45 minutes I got the results,” she said.

Denise Coyle said the system was smooth in Frankfurt.

“In the airport they have it set up, you get the results in 30 minutes. you walk in, pay 29 euros, they swab you and text you the test results,” Coyle said.

Antigen tests are allowed, as are home tests under some circumstances.

Home tests have to meet all the requirements and need to be taken with a telehealth provider watching and verifying the results.

©2021 Cox Media Group